Agape Camp celebrates first overnight camps, marking milestone for Canton youth

Special to The Canton News 

For more than thirty years, In His Steps Ministries, Inc. has faithfully served the Canton community through Christ-centered programs for children, youth and families. This summer, the ministry marked a significant milestone: the launch of its first-ever overnight Agape Camps.

Founded by Rev. Jasper and Carolyn Bacon, In His Steps Ministries is a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to help marginalized youth know Christ and live productive, God-honoring lives. The organization serves through four core ministries: Intervention (support for incarcerated youth), Prevention (long-term academic enrichment), Family Services, and Camping and Sports Ministries.

The vision for a Christian camp was planted in Rev. Bacon’s heart as early as 1979. After decades of prayer and planning, In His Steps acquired a twenty-acre property in 2019, located just 0.2 miles from its main campus. Since then, over $2 million has been invested in the site’s initial development. Following three years of day camps, this summer’s shift to overnight programming marked a powerful new chapter.

On June 1–4, the first-ever Agape Boys Overnight Camp welcomed boys ages nine to fifteen to a packed week of spiritual growth, fun activities and lasting friendships. Two weeks later, on June 15–18, Agape Girls Camp I followed, with a similar schedule and joyful energy. Campers memorized key Bible verses such as Romans 3:23 and John 14:6, learned about the gospel through the 4 Spiritual Laws, and engaged in outdoor activities like fishing, archery and water games.

One camper shared, “It was good to learn that God loves us, even if we make mistakes.” Others enjoyed interacting with exotic animals, forming new friendships and experiencing what for many was their first time staying away from home in a Christ-centered environment.

Agape Camp counselors included dedicated mentors like Master Davis, Zion Booth, Jayden Jones, and Jordan Johnson for the boys, and Taeria Gladney, Sonya Bolls, KeAsia Fatemi, Londria Hinton, Aria Jones, and Shrena Seals for the girls.

The summer programming continues with more to come in July.

Upcoming camps include:
Agape Boys Camp 2 (June 29–July 2)
IHS Girls Math Camp (June 30–July 2)
IHS Soccer Camp (July 9–11)
Agape Girls Camp 2 (July 13–16)

With each camp, In His Steps continues to invest in the spiritual and personal development of Canton’s youth. 

“This is more than just a summer camp,” a staff member shared. “It’s about building a foundation in Christ and creating lasting change in the lives of children.”

For more information or to support the ministry, visit www.InHisSteps.org or follow @InHisStepsMS on social media.

Organizers say Agape Camp is more than a camp — it’s a movement of faith, fun, and transformation. And as the ministry says: God did it — and the best is yet to come.